Faux Vows, True Desires

Owen gazed down at the object of his affection, unable to resist the urge to press his lips against her rosy ones. He had missed her terribly.

Cecilia didn't push him away. Instead, she wrapped her arms around his neck, tiptoeing to fervently reciprocate his kiss. The waitress quickly ducked into the restroom. Better to give them privacy than to face an awkward moment later.

Cecilia's rare enthusiasm sent Owen over the moon, his kisses becoming more insistent, until she had to gently push him away, though he still looked like a man yearning for more. Cecilia touched her lips, then teasingly poked his chest, "Are you ever going to get enough, or are you addicted now?"

Owen caught her finger, eyes brimming with passion, "You hardly ever respond with such fire. Can you blame me for getting hooked? Cecilia, when I was away on business, every spare moment was spent thinking of you, which is why I never allowed myself to stop, always working late into the night."

"But at night, in my dreams, there you were, making me all sorts of delicious food, being so gentle with me, showering me with gifts, kissing me... and well, let's just say we did more than just kiss in those dreams."

In his dreams, he had made love to her a million times over.

Cecilia was speechless.

"I was just about to order some takeout, want me to add something for you?"

Owen gave her a pitiful look, "Cecilia, I came straight to you, haven't even been home yet. Look at me, all travel-worn, tired and hungry. Can't you treat me to a decent meal?"

Cecilia softened, "Alright, let's go to the Pinehurst Hotel. Freshen up, change, then we can eat."

Owen's face lit up instantly. But Cecilia wasn't done with him yet, her finger prodding his chest once more, this time in a scolding manner, "Look at the state of you! Do you think you're still a spring chicken, able to work nonstop without a break? What's more important than your health?"

"Starve, see if I care! Who told you to skip meals? Nothing is more important than eating. You need food to keep going."

irritation. He grabbed her hand again, pulling her close, “I've been rushing, working hard to

quietly, "...I missed you too, felt

days, and you only called once to ask where I was, what I was up to." There was a hint of

to bother you. You didn't even tell me you were

and the trip was

one driving her to the airport, picking her up upon her return. Maybe it was the frequency of their partings that made him less afraid of saying goodbye to Ruby- only a slight sense of loss and

You and she are history. From now on, you're

catch my eye. You are irreplaceable." Even Ruby had been expelled from his heart, especially with Cecilia

of unrequited love with Ruby were wasted. Ruby's regret meant nothing now. He had

be exhausted and famished after your trip." Cecilia offered to switch places,

had arranged for his bodyguard to have the car ready for his return, so he could

accompanied Owen to the Pinehurst Hotel. No sooner had they left than Lucinda and Darlene arrived at

this quiet at lunchtime. Cecilia and the waitress should be

something didn't

would have told me as

"Little sis, little sis!"

in the

emerged from the restroom

asked, "Did Cecilia

inquired with